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Outright vs Downright - What's the difference?

outright | downright |

As adverbs the difference between outright and downright

is that outright is wholly, completely and entirely while downright is really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.

As adjectives the difference between outright and downright

is that outright is unqualified and unreserved while downright is directed vertically; coming straight down.

As a verb outright

is to release a player outright, without conditions.

outright

English

Adverb

(-)
  • Wholly, completely and entirely.
    • I refute those allegations outright .
  • Openly and without reservation.
    • I have just responded outright to that question.
  • At once.
    • Two people died outright and one more later.
  • With no outstanding conditions.
    • I have bought the house outright .
  • (informal) Blatantly; inexcusably.
    • That was an outright stupid thing to say.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Unqualified and unreserved.
    • I demand an outright apology.
  • Total or complete.
    • We achieved outright domination.
    Truths, half truths and outright lies.
    With little effort they found dozens of outright lies.
    He found a pattern of non-transparency and outright deception.
  • Having no outstanding conditions.
  • * Deutsche Bundesbank, Outright transactions
    • According to the general rules for Eurosystem monetary policy instruments and procedures, the outright' purchase and sale of securities on the market (' outright transactions) are among the standard open market operations used within the Eurosystem’s monetary policy framework.
    I made an outright purchase of the house.
    They don't seek outright independence, but rather greater autonomy.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (sports) To release a player , without conditions.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2007, date=August 30, author=Ben Shpigel, title=Martínez to Audition for Mets’ Brain Trust, work=New York Times citation
    • , passage=Sandy Alomar Jr. cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AA Binghamton in preparation for his promotion when rosters expand Saturday. }}

    downright

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Directed vertically; coming straight down.
  • Directly to the point; plain; unambiguous; unevasive.
  • Using plain direct language; accustomed to express opinions directly and bluntly; blunt.
  • Complete; absolute; utter.

    • Synonyms

    * (l)

    Derived terms

    * (l)

    Adverb

    (-)
  • Really; actually; quite; thoroughly; utterly.
    • He wasn't just cool to me, he was downright rude.
  • Straight down; perpendicularly.
  • Without delay; at once.
  • * Arbuthnot
    • She fell downright into a fit.

    Usage notes

    "Downright" is used to intensify or emphasize the following adjective, which usually refers to some negative quality.